Isabella Carter
Getting an internship in political campaigns can be a great way to break into politics and build your professional and personal network. There are several ways to get started, including seeking volunteer opportunities, getting involved in campaign fundraising, and building relationships with political operatives. Websites like Indeed.com and Rocky's internship blog offer a variety of internship opportunities with different organizations and specializations, such as communications, research, and analytics. Some internships are paid and intensive, while others are remote or volunteer-based. A good way to start is by checking the internship listings, drafting a tailored cover letter and resume, and applying to the positions that align with your interests and skills.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Internship Provider | NDRC, [Emerson Collective], [Indeed], [Third Way], [Genentech] |
| Location | Washington, DC |
| Internship Type | Spring, Summer, Fall, Rolling basis, Intensive 12-weeks full-time |
| Work Type | Remote, In-office, Hybrid |
| Requirements | Interest in policy and politics, Experience with research and writing, Understanding of social media and news cycle, Adaptable to changing priorities, Excellent interpersonal communication skills, Strong communication and problem-solving skills |
| Responsibilities | Research, Meeting support, Drafting memos and emails, Tracking success metrics, Voter and volunteer contact, Data entry and analysis, Federal election compliance reporting, Archiving, Fundraising, Social media graphics designing |
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What You'll Learn
Seek volunteer opportunities
Volunteering is a great way to get your foot in the door in the world of political campaigns. It can be a valuable way to build your network and get maximum contact with the candidate. Here are some tips to seek out volunteer opportunities:
- Find a campaign or organisation that interests you: Look for campaigns or organisations that align with your political beliefs and values. You can start by searching for local chapters of national organisations or checking out the websites of campaign candidates.
- Check for volunteer and internship opportunities: Once you've found a campaign or organisation that interests you, look for a section on their website dedicated to volunteers or interns. This is where they will likely post any available opportunities.
- Contact the campaign or organisation: If you can't find any information about volunteer opportunities on their website, don't hesitate to reach out directly. You can call or visit your candidate's local office to express your interest in volunteering. They will likely be appreciative of your enthusiasm and initiative.
- Be flexible and adaptable: Keep in mind that volunteer opportunities might vary depending on the campaign's needs. Be flexible and adaptable, and let the campaign know about any skills or experience you have that could be useful.
- Start with local and state elections: While national elections tend to get most of the attention, local and state elections are just as important and often have a more immediate impact on your community and national policy. These smaller campaigns may offer more opportunities to get involved and make a difference.
- Build your network: Volunteering on a political campaign is a great way to meet like-minded people and build your professional and personal network. Attend campaign events, meetings, and briefings to get to know the people you're working with and forge meaningful connections.
- Get involved in campaign fundraising: According to a former campaign intern, getting involved in campaign fundraising can be a great way to maximise your contact with the candidate and build your network. This could include helping to organise fundraising events or reaching out to potential donors.
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Build relationships
Building relationships is a crucial aspect of securing an internship in political campaigns. Here are some strategies to help you build meaningful connections in the political realm:
Networking Opportunities
Start by networking with local campaign staff, the political party, and fellow students who share your political interests. Attend events organized by groups like the College Democrats or Republicans, where you can meet political operatives and learn about upcoming campaigns. Through these networks, you can gain valuable insights and potentially secure introductions to key individuals.
Volunteer Work
Volunteering is an excellent way to get involved and build relationships. Check the campaign candidate's website for volunteer opportunities, and consider volunteering for a campaign you feel passionate about. This demonstrates your commitment and provides a chance to work closely with campaign staff and fellow volunteers, fostering meaningful connections.
Campaign Fundraising
Getting involved in campaign fundraising can give you maximum contact with the candidate and help you build a strong network. Fundraising events bring together people with similar political interests, allowing you to connect with like-minded individuals and showcase your dedication to the cause.
Individualized Experience in Smaller Campaigns
If building close relationships with the candidate and senior campaign staff is a priority, consider applying to smaller campaigns and local races. These provide a more intimate setting, allowing for more individualized interactions and the opportunity to stand out and make a lasting impression.
Long-lasting Connections
Remember that working on a campaign is about forging long-lasting bonds with those you meet. As Stevenson, a former campaign intern, reflects, "you always remember the people you worked with and the amazing bonds you forged." These connections can lead to future opportunities and form the foundation of your professional network in the political sphere.
By actively seeking out networking opportunities, volunteering, and getting involved in campaign fundraising, you can build solid relationships that will enhance your chances of securing a political campaign internship.
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Research and writing skills
Research Skills
Research is a critical component of political internships. You may be involved in various research projects, from policy research to election analysis. Understanding the policy landscape, researching political campaigns, voting patterns, and outcomes are all part of the role. For example, you might be tasked with researching and analysing a social issue, providing actionable recommendations for policymakers. This could involve evaluating the impact of specific policies or programs and offering insights to inform decision-making.
Additionally, you may be asked to assist with political, grant, and campaign research. This could mean gathering information, providing input, and offering guidance related to the organisation's strategic advocacy and political campaigns. For instance, you might be drafting memos, briefings, or research papers for internal leaders, providing them with the information they need to make informed decisions.
Writing Skills
Writing skills are also essential for political campaign internships. You may be required to draft various documents, such as memos, briefings, research papers, press releases, articles, or emails in support of political candidates and campaign teams. For example, you could be authoring and implementing articles or press releases advocating for politicians or political viewpoints in city or university media.
Strong writing skills will enable you to effectively communicate the organisation's message, whether it's through crafting social media content to increase engagement or drafting formal correspondence to stakeholders. Additionally, attention to detail and an ability to adapt your writing style to different mediums are crucial.
Developing Your Skills
To develop your research and writing skills, consider the following:
- Seek out research opportunities, such as assisting professors or industry professionals in their research projects. This will allow you to gain experience in conducting research, analysing data, and potentially publishing your work.
- Improve your writing by practising different writing styles, from creative to formal, and seek feedback to refine your skills.
- Stay informed about current events, especially political and social issues, to broaden your understanding of the landscape in which you'll be working.
- Develop your analytical skills by practising identifying trends, patterns, and insights from research data or existing reports and studies.
By focusing on both research and writing skills, you'll be well-prepared for a political campaign internship and be able to contribute valuable insights and effective communication to the organisation.
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Interest in policy and politics
Education and Academic Pursuits:
Pursue relevant academic programmes or courses that align with policy and politics. Consider enrolling in political science, public policy, international relations, or a related field. This demonstrates a long-term commitment to understanding and engaging with political issues.
Prior Experience:
Previous experience in the political domain, including volunteer work, is highly advantageous. Consider volunteering for political campaigns, local community organisations, or non-profit groups focused on advocacy and policy. This not only showcases your interest but also provides you with valuable hands-on experience in the political arena.
Knowledge and Awareness:
Stay informed about current affairs, political developments, and emerging trends in policy. Demonstrate a strong understanding of social issues, the political landscape, and the legislative process. This knowledge will be invaluable during interviews and when contributing to research and strategy within your internship role.
Research and Writing Skills:
Develop and refine your research and writing capabilities. Political internships often involve conducting research, analysing data, and producing written materials. Strong research skills enable you to contribute to policy development, strategic planning, and effective communication within the campaign.
Networking and Connections:
Build relationships with people who share your interests. Attend political events, join relevant clubs or societies, and participate in debates or discussions. Networking can provide you with valuable insights, mentorship opportunities, and potential references for your internship applications.
Understanding Campaign Dynamics:
Gain an understanding of the multifaceted nature of political campaigns. Recognise that campaigns involve not just the intellectual aspects of policy but also the emotional connection with voters. This includes crafting compelling narratives, communicating a candidate's biography and values, and leveraging personal stories to engage voters.
By demonstrating a well-rounded interest in policy and politics, you'll be better prepared to contribute to the diverse tasks and challenges that arise during a political campaign internship. Remember that your passion and dedication can set you apart and open doors to rewarding opportunities within the political domain.
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Communication skills
Listening and Collaboration
Active listening is a vital aspect of effective communication. Interns should be adept at listening to colleagues, partners, and stakeholders to understand their perspectives and gather valuable insights. Strong listening skills also foster a collaborative environment, enabling interns to work effectively with their team and contribute productively to meetings and discussions.
Written Communication
Writing clearly and concisely is crucial in political campaigns, especially when drafting emails, letters, memos, and research papers. Interns should be able to articulate complex ideas in a simple and accessible manner, ensuring that their writing aligns with the campaign's messaging and goals. This skill is also valuable when creating content for social media, such as toolkits and graphics, which are essential components of modern political campaigns.
Public Speaking and Persuasion
While not all interns will be expected to give public speeches, effective communication in this context involves understanding the importance of tone, body language, and storytelling. Interns should be able to convey enthusiasm and passion for the campaign's message, whether speaking to small groups or large audiences. Persuasive communication skills are particularly important when interns interact with voters, donors, or volunteers, as they can inspire and motivate others to take action or support the campaign.
Media Relations
Political campaigns heavily rely on media exposure to reach voters. Interns should be trained in media relations, including interacting with journalists, crafting press releases, and responding to media inquiries. They should understand the role of the media in shaping public opinion and be able to navigate sensitive issues or crises that may arise during the campaign.
Interpersonal Skills
Strong interpersonal skills enable interns to build solid working relationships with colleagues, volunteers, and stakeholders. This fosters a positive work environment and facilitates collaboration. Interns with good interpersonal skills can adapt their communication style to different personalities and effectively resolve conflicts or disagreements that may arise during the campaign.
Developing excellent communication skills will not only enhance an intern's effectiveness during a political campaign but will also be valuable throughout their professional careers.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several internship opportunities for political campaigns. For instance, the National Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC) offers internships for spring, summer, and fall. The DCCC Internship Program is another great opportunity to gain exposure to practical, campaign-style politics on a national level. Emerson Collective's summer internship program is another option that places college-aged students in paid internship opportunities.
The first step is to prepare a concise and meaningful resume. Then, identify a campaign that interests you and do your research on the candidates and their policy positions. It is also a good idea to connect with local campaign staff and the political party to find out more about internship opportunities. Finally, reach out to the directors of the campaign internship program and apply for the position.
The responsibilities of an intern in a political campaign can vary depending on the specific campaign and role. Some common tasks include assisting with research, providing support for campaigns and organizing needs, such as voter and volunteer contact, and events, as well as administrative tasks such as record maintenance and office administration.
While specific skills and qualifications may vary depending on the campaign and role, some common skills that are beneficial for an internship in a political campaign include strong communication and problem-solving skills, interest in policy and politics, experience with research and writing, and a basic knowledge of data management software such as Excel or Google Sheets. Familiarity with statistics and database management is also advantageous.
